Analysis of spectrum utilization in suburb environment—evaluation of potentials for cognitive radio

This paper deals with spectrum utilization measurements in the frequency band from 100 MHz up to 3 GHz. The measurement method is based on the energy detection principle using wideband log-periodic antenna. Our results show that the radio spectrum is not utilized in an optimal manner and that there do exist sporadically utilized licensed frequency bands that could be possibly used by cognitive radios in an opportunistic way. Cognitive radio concept for better spectrum utilization is introduced here along with an overall approach regarding spectrum utilization in the next generation wireless networks.